December went by way too fast. I finished up classes and enjoyed a month of just working and vacation days with family. The above picture was the result of a Sqrd Christmas party we were invited to and challenged to Make It Matter. It was a great message as we tried to think of what we could do within our own family.

Jeremy hit another birthday which we celebrated the weekend before with a surprise trip to see Jim Gaffigan, stay over night in SLC, and then have brunch at the Cheesecake Factory before heading home. It was wonderful to get away, relax, and just spend some time together.

Jeremy was able to go be a part of a GIST patient board to help a pharmaceutical company learn about patients' experiences.

Allison had a Preference date and scored with a dad who knows how to do pictures.

Jeremy had another scan at the end of December with some disappointing results. He has many new tumors plus previous tumors have grown. So we are currently looking at clinical trials. With this growth has come an increase in pain and discomfort which is hard for everyone.

Taylor continues to be chubby and happy with a very snaggle tooth. He met with the neurologists this month and everything looks good for now. He put on a Christmas program with his day program which I just loved.

For Christmas this year it was just our family. Best Christmas present of all was talking to Spencer for two hours. We couldn't get the audio to work very well but loved just hanging out with him and seeing how much he loves his mission.

Christmas involved ice skating, oreo truffles, watching Elf and eating nachos, more movies, more books, lots of nail polish and food, and just being home together.

The rest of the break involved fun things that I didn't take a single picture of! Like having my parents come visit for a week to enjoy eating at Red Iguana, going to a play 'The Odd Couple', and just doing all the family activities. We had the Hall get together where we exchanged cousin presents, ate waffles, and went to see Mary Poppins.

To end the year I took Robyn and some friends sledding. It worked out beautifully. As they happily froze for 3 hours in the canyon, I would dart out and take pictures and then retreat to my warm car with a book and herbal tea to watch them. Robyn and Allison both had friends over for New Years Eve while I was the old parent reading a book, nibbling on cupcakes, and just hanging out in the other room. Everyone struggled going back to school and reality after such a wonderful break. Family down time has become quite precious in this house.